Aadhaar linkage fails to fuel consumer interest

Despite the March 15 deadline being extended, only 25 per cent have submitted their details

With just four days to go for the mandatory linking of Aadhaar details with domestic LPG connections, a majority of the consumers are yet to submit their details to the distributors concerned.

Going by the poor response to the linkage orders, there is no alternative but to extend the March 15 deadline, authorities say unofficially.

There are close to 16 lakh LPG consumers in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy. The Central government had fixed February 15 as deadline for submitting the Aadhaar details with distributors. However, this was extended to March 15, citing poor enrolment.

Despite the March 15 deadline being extended, only 25 per cent of consumers have submitted their details. Right from lethargic attitude of consumers in enrolling for Aadhaar cards, less number of enrolment centres initially and delay in dispatch of cards, there are many issues for poor submission of details, says a senior official of a oil company.

“We have not received any official communication till date. But given the poor turnout, there is every possibility that the March 15 deadline would be extended by a few more weeks,” he says.

Even as the suspense over extension of deadline continues, distributors and oil company authorities are still clueless over implementation of subsidy-cash transfer scheme.

Initially, there was news that the consumers will have to pay the full market price of Rs. 975 even for the six subsidy cylinders. Later, oil companies would transfer the differential subsidy amount directly into the bank accounts of the consumers. But things are not clear over the procedure and there is lot of confusion among consumers and distributors as well.

There is no communication from company headquarters over the cash transfer procedure and how it will be executed. There are many parameters, including online banking transactions, time limit for transfer, consequences in case of delay in transfer etc. involved in this and higher authorities have not disclosed any such information, concedes the official.

Under the pilot project, it is learnt that the cash transfer would be implemented in Mysore from April 1 following high percentage of Aadhaar-LPG linking.

In Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, East Godavari, Anantapur and Chittoor districts were identified for implementing the scheme. There would be some clarity only after the scheme gets implemented in Mysore, he adds.

Online booking suspended

A press communiqué from the Ranga Reddy District Supply Officer informed that the online slot booking for Aadhaar enrolments has been suspended for rural areas due to lack of response. Instead, revenue officials are gathering people for enrolment village-wise. However, the online booking on 1100 will remain for the urban mandals.

Slideshow

Preparation for celebrating the Festival of Colours - Holi is in full swing with small-time vendors and in Begum Bazar and others areas in Hyderabad stocking materials like colours and Chinese sprayers. Photos: Mohammed Yousuf.